Are parking tickets cheaper than parking lots?
Parking in New York City is an expensive pain in the ass. I know, I’ve had a car here for the past 7 years.
Since most city residents don’t have driveways or home garages, keeping a car means you have 2 choices:
1. Park on the street.
2. Pay for a monthly space in a lot.
Ditching your car in the Hudson is only an option for Jimmy Hoffa types.
I know New Yorkers who put their cars in a lot or parking garage. Some of them pay a lot of $$$ for the privilege. Others, walk a half mile or more to a cheaper lot.
I know people – self-included - who make moving their car part of a twice weekly routine. Heading out at night to search for “free street parking” or driving around until a street has been cleaned and they pick any spot.
I also know a few people who park on the street and don’t move their cars. They take the ticket from the city and think of it as their monthly parking expense. In essence, the city streets are parking lot and these folk pay the city (in fines) for the privilege to park on the street.
Why?
As a neighbor who does this told me, parking tickets are cheaper than paying a parking lot.
Interesting.
Could paying a fine actually be cheaper than paying for a monthly parking space? Here’s what I found out.
